It is not very often that you get a brand new business opening in the very centre of Bundoran - but that was the good news which greeted visitors last weekend with the new family fun Olympic Amusement arcade which specifically caters for children and their families. Appropriately it was left to the one of the town’s most distinguished citizens, Patricia Brennan, to officially open the new venue, with Canon Ramon Munster P.P. also in attendance for the blessing. Indeed, the opening on Good Friday in Bundoran has signalled the traditional start of the summer season in the resort, for many decades. Liam Clancy, who along with Norman Page has been operating the very successful business for many years, which is placed at the very heart of what was called Bundoran’s Golden Mile. Liam spoke to the Democrat about the indoor entertainment venue's history and how it has developed into the fine establishment it is today. He said that the Olympic Amusements has been located on Main Street since the early 1960s. Below: Eva and Kay Drummond with Sharon O'Doherty in the new Olympic Arcade - Family Fun Amusements, Bundoran which was officially opened on Friday last (Picture Thomas Gallagher) Before that it was owned by the Battisti family, who operated the Cafe Olympia and now doubt there was a connection with its current name in making a link with that of its predecessors. Kenneth Page was the man and father of Norman who was the successful business entrepreneur who first established the business, with Liam coming on board in 1970/71. “I used to work there when I was younger, so I have many happy memories working there. And later Ken’s son, Norman got involved. Back then we had the slot machines and the kiddies rides with the video games coming in after, with the likes of indoor bingo, also proving a big success.” He said that video games, in particular, became very popular the years that followed, and became more sophisticated as the general electronic industry advanced. It was one of the first indoor
Gallery: Bundoran's new attraction opens at the Olympic family fun Arcade
